Adaptogenic Herbs [Benefits, Uses, and Side Effects]

Adaptogenic herbs, also known as adaptogens, are primarily known for helping the body deal with stress. However, they have a range of other potential benefits too.

Adaptogens are primarily known for helping the body deal with stress.

This article explores the most common examples of these plants, their uses, how they work, and more. Read on for the complete guide.

What Are Adaptogens?

Humans have used adaptogenic herbs for thousands of years. Many of them overlap with ancient healing systems, such as Indian Ayurveda and traditional East Asian medicine. However, the term adaptogen is relatively new. A Soviet scientist named Lazarev first proposed it in 1940 while studying the properties of schisandra.

At that time, there was great interest in adaptogenic herbs throughout the USSR. Researchers initially focused on these herbs’ ability to combat stress and relieve fatigue. They believed they could potentially benefit pilots and submarine crews engaged in World War II.

Since then, study into adaptogens and their benefits has advanced steadily, with overall positive results. Unsurprisingly, these herbs have hit the mainstream in the past couple of decades, rapidly becoming more and more well-known.

Over the years, various experts have defined adaptogens in slightly different ways. However, the consensus is that they should fulfill the following criteria:

Non-specifically helping the body maintain balance in a wide range of conditions
Reducing the impact of stress-induced physical disorders
Producing positive excitatory effects without the side effects of traditional stimulants
Not harming the human body or its normal physiological functions

According to a 2018 review by Liao and colleagues for Chinese Medicine, the FDA defines adaptogens as: “a new kind of metabolic regulator that has been proved to help in environmental adaptation and to prevent external harms.”

These definitions are open to interpretation, meaning there is some disagreement regarding precisely which herbs are adaptogens. We have listed some common examples below, although there are many, many more.

With such a variety of herbs being classed as adaptogens, their range of potential benefits is also exceptionally broad.

Benefits of Adaptogens

Adaptogens primarily assist the body in coping with physical, chemical, and biological stress.

They appear to do this by promoting a state of internal balance known as homeostasis. They may also help cells to pre-empt environmental changes and act accordingly, a process known as allostasis.

As well as supporting homeostasis and allostasis, specific adaptogens have various other unique effects and outcomes. Some of the most common adaptogenic herb benefits include:

Protecting the nervous system from damage
Stimulating the central nervous system
Reducing fatigue
Reducing depression and anxiety
Promoting optimal mental function
Enhancing immunity and resistance to infections

Certain herbs may also help with sleep disorders, arthritis, and cancer treatment side effects. So, how do these herbs produce such a wide range of benefits? Let’s take a look.

How Do Adaptogens Work?

Researchers believe that adaptogenic herbs regulate the nervous, immune, and endocrine systems. They appear to act upon the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. This complex system allows communication between the hypothalamus and pituitary gland in the brain and the adrenal glands.

The HPA axis is a crucial part of the stress response, and its activation releases the hormones adrenaline and cortisol. These chemicals’ short-term effects are beneficial in fight-or-flight situations. They include increased energy production, alertness, and blood flow, to name a few.

However, when the HPA axis is activated long-term, for example, in chronic stress, these hormones can have detrimental effects. For example, excessive cortisol production is associated with depression, chronic fatigue, and poor mental function.

Adaptogens seem to work by influencing both cortisol and its receptors. They also impact various other chemicals and processes involved in the stress response, including:

Heat-shock proteins HSP70 and HSP16
Stress-activated c-Jun N-terminal protein kinase 1 (JNK1)
Forkhead box O (FOXO) transcription factor DAF-16
Beta-endorphin
Nitric oxide
Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production

Unfortunately, most studies to date have involved isolated cell lines or simple organisms. More research is necessary to determine adaptogens’ precise effects on human physiology.

Common Adaptogens List

As we already mentioned, there is some dispute regarding exactly which herbs have adaptogenic properties. Some of the most widely-accepted examples include:

American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius)
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng)
Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus)
Cordyceps (Cordyceps sinensis)
Eleuthero (Eleutherococcus senticosus)
Holy basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum)
Jiaogulan (Gynostemma pentaphyllum)
Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza uralensis)
Maca (Lepidium meyenii)
Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)
Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea)
Schisandra (Schisandra chinensis)

Many other herbs may also be considered adaptogenic in certain circumstances. Visit the adaptogens homepage here at WayofLeaf to learn more.

Adaptogenic Herbs Side Effects

According to their definition, adaptogenic herbs should not harm the body in normal doses. However, like all medicines, adaptogens can cause side effects, especially with inappropriate use.

These adverse effects can vary significantly depending on the specific herb. However, some of the most common examples include:

Excitability
Insomnia
Headaches

These herbs can also interact with various prescribed or over-the-counter drugs. Therefore, it is essential to consult a physician or qualified herbalist before use. This is especially important for individuals with specific medical conditions or taking other medication.

Another issue to be aware of is that the supplements market is not well-regulated. Therefore, some brands are selling products of questionable quality. These items may be ineffective, or worse still; they may contain harmful levels of contaminants, such as pesticides.

To learn more about choosing a safe and effective brand, read our related article: The 5 Best Adaptogen Supplements.

Final Thoughts on Adaptogenic Herbs

The potential benefits of adaptogens include helping the body cope with stress, reducing fatigue, and supporting immune function, among others. They work by influencing the stress response via the HPA axis, nervous, immune, and endocrine systems.

Adaptogenic herbs are generally considered safe and side effects are relatively rare.

Adaptogenic herbs are generally considered safe and side effects are relatively rare. However, it is always advisable to seek medical advice before starting any new supplement, medicine, or herbal remedy.

Looking for a natural way to manage the stresses of everyday life? Check out the following adaptogens and their benefits:

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